KC missionaries taken from my crappy Samsung Phone

We welcomed six new missionaries to Kampong Cham to replace the five that left. Three of the new ones are full-time missionaries (Sister Line from Pleasant Grove, UT; Elder Bullough from Orem, UT; and Elder Taun from Siem Riep, Cambodia). The other three are "mini-missionaries" (nothing to do with their height) that are filling a two week gap until 22 new full-time missionaries arrive from the MTC in Provo next week. These "mini missionaries" are 18-22 year-old Elders and Sisters from Cambodia who volunteered to do a 2 week mission to help out. Most are planning to serve a mission within the next year, so this is good training for them. They are assigned to areas within the country, have full-time missionary companions and follow the same routine as regular missionaries. Most of them speak passable English (some better than their American counter parts). I worried that they would sit back and just watch - but that hasn't happened. Our three have jumped right in, shared their testimonies in lessons, helped out with English class and have been EXCELLENT translators. I will miss them when they return home next week.

Mini Missionaries

We will get two newbies next Wednesday- fresh from the eating capitol of the world (Provo MTC). They will be in shock for a couple of weeks - adjusting to new sounds, smells, food and bathrooms (think graduate-level potty training). And their Khmae will be worse than ours - which is almost unthinkable. But they will pass us quickly enough. President Christensen has the HUGE job of trying to figure out the who and the where. Glad it's him and not us.

I had a unique experience last Saturday - I got to baptize a new female convert. I didn't expect to do this - I assumed the Elders or members would do these ordinances. But with missionaries coming and going, this sweet Sister asked me to do it. It was awesome. There is nothing more gratifying than observing the atonement of Jesus Christ at work in real time. He loves this good sister, who lives under a tin awning on the street. She has nothing in the way of worldly possessions, but everything when it comes to humility and a desire to do good. I am grateful I got to experience this piece of missionary work again.

Baptizing Sister Jah Ree Yaa

But a word of warning to those buying white pants from the Distribution Center: the waist bands run smaller than is indicated on the tag. You MUST try them on first. I almost passed out sucking in my 64 year-old gut while speaking and raising my arm (I'm pretty sure I still have a red welt that reads "36 regular" on my lower back).

Erin is doing well. The follow-up x-rays were positive and the bone is healing nicely. She can ditch the sling in a couple of weeks if she wants. Until then she needs to do what I tell her. ROTFLUOLNWMP (which means "rolling on the floor laughing uncontrollably out loud nearly wetting my pants"). It'll NEVER happen.

With Elder Child - the day he went home from his mission

The final story of this blog involves a tall, blonde Sister missionary (Sister Line), and her 4'10" Khame companion (Sister Nit) trying to teach a lesson to a very sincere Cambodian Mom. I say "trying" because there was a super drunk guy slurring and drooling throughout this outdoor lesson. He shook my hand about 10 times - with the final one drawing blood as he scratched my arm with his dirty fingernails. He reached for Erin's hand and I had to physically stop him. I told the Sister missionaries we had to leave before I caused an international incident. Once safely inside our car, I apologized to the Sisters for cutting things short and getting angry with the guy. Sister Nit said, "it reminds me of my parents. I HATE it" - then broke down into tears. I make no judgment regarding people's life choices. But there WILL be a day of accountability when parents (including us) stand before God to give an accounting of their stewardship regarding those precious spirits He has entrusted to them. We are not perfect parents - far from it (just ask our children). And I am grateful every day that Jesus Christ made it possible for me to repent, make changes and have my muddy slate wiped clean.